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By Ashley Sim and Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 7: “Segulai Sejalai”, meaning together in unity in the Iban language and signified the traditional Dayak community spirit, will become the national motto for Malaysia.
Announcing this, Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised his commitment to ensuring that “Segulai Sejalai” becomes the official national motto.
“I am attracted by the ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (spirit). This means that from now on, wherever I go and whenever we speak about strengthening unity and collaboration, I will mention ‘Segulai Sejalai’,” he said when addressing the Gawai Dayak 2023 celebration dinner hosted by the Sarawak government at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight.
The event was honoured with the presence of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggit Raghad Kurdi Taib, as well as Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who was also the event organising chairman.
Impressed with the unity in Sarawak and praising Abang Johari for his visionary leadership, Anwar emphasised it is every Malaysian’s responsibility to enhance the nation’s existing unity and strengths.
“The strengths must be used to rise up, build and progress. This is precisely why I need to reiterate this point not to overpraise by my friend, the Premier, but to categorically state that the unity, the support and the harmony seen here (Sarawak) are utilised and exploited to the full for the benefit of the people.
“I have seen personally myself in a short span of a few months (as) I have come here four times,” he said.
Commending Sarawak’s leadership for its demonstrated tenacity of purpose, commitment, foresight, and vision, Anwar declared his intention to work closely with Abang Johari to elevate not only Sarawak but also Malaysia to greater heights in the very near future.
He reminded those present that it is the responsibility of the unity government and the people to uphold the dignity of Malaysia as a sovereign, independent and successful country.
“This is what we must build. That’s why I personally and on behalf of my friends, I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to Abang Johari and GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) for their strong support.
“This is very meaningful. I don’t want to overpraise but the truth is GPS as a Sarawak-based party and strong in Sarawak, its presence has contributed to strengthening the unity government. This gives strength to the unity government as a whole,” he pointed out.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak and federal dignitaries, and community leaders were among those present. — DayakDaily
